OPTIMAL DESIGN OF A ROOF USING BIOMIMETICS
Abstract
In this paper, the attention is focused on the usage of biomimetics in architecture, especially on the sea shell design as an inspiration for a roof structure. Among the modern methods of architecture design, the parametric modelling, the finite element analysis and the optimization are used to design a sea shell-like roof. For this purpose, two research programs are employed: the parametric modelling and the finite element analysis program STAKx and the interactive optimization program iGOx. To get a sea shell-like design, the design variables are related to the thickness and to the geometry of the roof. The objective function, to be minimized, is defined as the total strain energy of the structure. The imposed constraints are related to the maximal displacement and to the maximal volume of the roof. The obtained optimal roof exhibits attractive properties and an aesthetic look.
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